GRAZ, SEPTEMBER 14 – The United Nations has an important role to play in bridging the “space divide” among countries. The Office for Outer Space Affairs seeks solutions and has exemplified the approach of facilitating partnerships, networking and cooperation exceptionally well, the UNOOSA Director General, Simonetta Di Pippo, recently said, giving the keynote address to the 26th Graz Symposium on Space Applications for Sustainable Development Goal 13.
“This is a ‘make-or-break moment’ for the health of our planet, and we must all get involved. The biggest cost will come if we do nothing”, said Di Pippo quoting a British historian, activist and explorer Robert Swan, who often said: “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”
Di Pippo, an Italian astrophysicist, announced that UNOOSA is currently developing a dedicated Space for Climate Action Initiative to institutionalize its contribution through an even better targeted and tailored approach.
“With this initiative, we aim to support regional and national actions essential for resilience, adaptation, and mitigation in local contexts, while also supporting international coordination and cooperation which is essential for mitigation. It underlines and builds upon the importance of creating connections, bringing the knowledge out and overcoming the lack of expertise and capacity in dealing with an unprecedented threat”. (@OnuItalia).
